The Deputy Prime Minister said the paper would then be tabled by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot to the Cabinet meeting to discuss the issue thoroughly.

“NIOSH which is chaired by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye had previously suggested that a special committee be set up and I have asked NIOSH to prepare a paper to be tabled to the Cabinet.

“This is to seek a long-term solution. Not only in the east coast but throughout the country and in any situation,” he told a press conference at the pre-launching of the 16th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA) and the National Security Asia (Natsec) here today.

Ahmad Zahid was asked to comment on the rise in drowning cases in the country.

Lee, who is also National Water Activity Safety Council member, had proposed for the setting up of a full-fledged department to plan, enforce and implement drowning prevention measures.

In the latest incident on Monday, five anglers were reported missing after being swept off by strong current at Sungai Gasi near the Sungai Buloh camp. The bodies of three victims have been found as at 1 pm today.

On the curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the government had no intention of lifting any curfew.

“This curfew was signed by me as Home Minister.

“So the ESSCom (Eastern Sabah Security Command) will maintain the security not only in the ESSCom area but it covers about 1,700 km in ESSZone and other areas throughout the country, especially in the east coast of Sabah,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said such priority was given because security issue was not something politically driven and an agenda that was on top of other agendas.

The issue of defence was also the government’s commitment, he added. – BERNAMA